Penny exploded, or came as close to exploding as Penny was capable of doing, as soon as her husband closed the door. Tears streamed down her face as she had lost the ability to speak.

She cried and sobbed hysterically as Y/N approached her quickly and squeezed her tight. He whispered into her ear as she slowly calmed. Aerith walked up to Dean and smiled as she looked at the pair.

"He's very good with her isn't he?"

Dean chuckled.

"They are very close. When Penny is in a state like this Y/N is the only one who can calm her, he's a lot better at emotional stuff than me."

Aerith awed and then moved across to Hermione, linking arms with her.

"Are you ok Hermione?"

Hermione nodded.

"I will be Aerith, it's just been a big day".

Aerith smiled warmly and nodded in understanding. They looked back at Penny who had calmed enough to regain the power of speech.

"What did you think you were doing Cutie Pie? You know how dangerous this Tournament is? I never in my wildest, well maybe my wildest, but not in any of my rational dreams thought-"

"Penny.... breathe" Y/N said tenderly as he released the hug and gripped her hands, raising them to his chest.

"You must have known I would enter Pens. A tournament like this, it's catnip to a man like me. I will be ok. Prepare yourself for me being selected tomorrow night but everything will be ok. I've faced more dangerous situations on field trips" Y/N smiled, speaking calmly, trying to calm his Penny down.

She nodded, before whimpering and pulling Y/N into another tight hug he happily returned.

"I just love you Cutie Pie. I'm scared for you and... oh Hermione you must be so worried too!"

Penny released the hug and rushed over to Hermione, hugging her tightly. It was returned before Penny turned to Aerith and held her arm out.

"Come on Aerith, we're all sister-in-laws now"

Penny smiled as Aerith smiled brightly and walked over, the three women joining in a tight hug.

"Another hugger" Y/N chuckled to himself, rubbing his eyes as Dean walked over.

"Congratulations on entering Y/N. I'm proud of you"

He smiled and held out his hand, Y/N considering it before begrudgingly shaking back.

"So I'll be your mentor if you're selected and-"

"We'll talk about that later Dean. For tonight I just want to take Hermione to our room and make her feel loved and safe. It's been a really hard day for her".

Dean nodded as the three girls released the hug. Aerith looked shocked.

"You two share a room?"

Y/N chuckled.

"Got a lot to catch you up about tomorrow Aerith".

Penny whimpered again and held her arms out, Y/N chuckling and walking over to her, squeezing tight.

"This isn't going to be over anytime soon is it Pens?"

Penny whimpered again and looked up at Y/N.

"Could we, you know, like we did before?"

She asked with pleading big beautiful blue eyes. Y/N smiled down at her and kissed her on the forehead before speaking.

"Hermione love, you don't mind if Penny kips with us tonight do you?"

Hermione smiled and shook her head.

"Dean is that ok with..." Penny asked before her husband cut her off.

"Whatever you need love" Dean smiled tenderly at his wife.

Y/N was taken back, he was expecting at the very least an argument. He looked over to Dean and smiled, nodding. Dean returned the smile. Aerith looked a little bewildered.

"I'll explain everything tomorrow sis" Y/N chuckled.

Aerith smiled brightly at the nickname and nodded.

"Alright, we stay in the Room of Requirement, you guys know where it is. Do you want to pack a night bag or something Pens? Hermione and I will walk Aerith back to the carriage and meet you there?"

Penny smiled widely and nodded, walking over to Dean and kissing him before she wrapped her husband in a tight hug.

"Thanks for understanding love" she smiled as they exited hand in hand.

Y/N linked hands with Hermione and they exited with Aerith.

After escorting Aerith to the Carriage for the night, Y/N and Hermione apparated to the Room of Requirement. Y/N portalled in their babies and looked around their home away from home, smiling.

"Four years we've been coming here love. This is our last night in here".

Hermione walked over and hugged Y/N tightly as she spoke back.

"Makes me sad, but I can't wait to see our room. Our permanent room for the next three and a half years".

Y/N smiled and looked down to her, kissing her gently on the lips.

"Tomorrow night we can move everything in and Sunday after Ghoul Studies we can set it up how you like baby. I'll be your personal slave for the day, at your beck and call until it is just the way you want it. Sound good?"

"Sounds wonderful sweetheart" Hermione smiled before a saddened look passed over her face.

"Hey, what's wrong? Talk to me baby" Y/N said as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Hermione between his legs. She wrapped her arms round his neck and sniffed as she looked into his eyes.

"Just the tournament baby. People have died. I'm terrified something is going to happen to you".

Y/N gave her a look of sympathy as he pulled her into a gentle kiss before smiling.

"Baby, can I be completely honest with you for a moment?"

Hermione nodded as she appeared to be holding back tears.

"Think about who I am love. Think about everything I've done. I fought Voldemort in first year. I killed a basilisk in second year. How many hunts have I been on? I've fought in a war, which I ended, alone. I saved an entire Ministry single handed from a horde of vampires. I killed a dozen Death Eaters without breaking a sweat. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Do you think Crouch and Ludo bloody Bagman are going to be able to come up with something that could kill me?"

He finished by chuckling and Hermione giggled and shook her head.

"They are making it challenging for your average seventh year student baby. I am so far beyond an average seventh year I can't even see them in my rear view. And I'm not trying to be arrogant, but there is nothing they could design, that will challenge other students, that I will break a sweat over. I promise you I will be fine. Do you think Albus would be so happy about the Prophesied One being in this tournament if he thought I was in danger?"

Hermione thought about his words and shook her head, hugging Y/N and smiling.

He hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear.

"Feel better darling?"

Hermione smiled into the hug.

"I do baby. Thank you"

They remained hugging, in a silent, contented embrace as a knock at the door was heard.

"Just me Cutie Pie" Penny smiled as she entered and closed the door behind her.

They took turns changing in the bathroom and settled in bed. Y/N laid in the middle on his back, his two girls hugging into him, one on each side, as he held them tight.

"Good night my beautiful ladies" Y/N smiled, kissing each on the head as he squeezed them tight.

—~—

Following a night of cuddles Y/N had snuck out of bed early, worked out, showered and dressed, conjuring up two bouquets of roses and placing them on the bed. He gently woke the pair of them as they both smiled and gushed at the flowers.

"Are you both feeling better after our talks last night?" Y/N asked tenderly. They both nodded, Hermione kissing him gently before Penny moved in for a big hug. They headed down for breakfast, Penny hugging again and going over to the staff table where Dean was already sat, chatting happily to Rowan.

The couple sat and were surprised to see their three friends join them only ten minutes later.

"You guys are up early" Hermione smiled as Y/N looked up from his eggs and nodded.

"Couldn't sleep, and these two idiots were too excited to" Lavender chuckled, hugging Hermione as she sat. She looked at Y/N and asked immediately:

"So Y/N. What the hell?"

Y/N finished his mouthful and looked at them, all three giving him curious looks. He sighed and explained about Aerith, about his dad and her mum, as much as he could.

"Wow" Harry remarked as Y/N finished.

"How does it feel having a sister?" Lavender asked.

Y/N chuckled.

"I don't know. I spent most of last night calming and reassuring my two ladies, haven't had time to even think about how I've got a sister now".

Hermione shot her boyfriend a look of tremendous guilt, he instantly wrapped an arm around her and kissed her.

"Hey no. I was happy to baby. My job is to keep you happy, and keep you safe. Remember my memories. The hunt?"

Hermione nodded as she looked into her boyfriends eyes. He smiled.

"Everything is for you. That's love. My love, for you, Hermione".

Hermione smiled as a happy tear ran down her face. She cupped Y/N's face as she gently kissed him.

"Well today is for you love. You're spending time with Aerith, so enjoy it, take your time getting to know your sister".

"I thought you would-"

Y/N was interrupted by Hermione gently kissing him again.

"I'll spend this morning with Lav and the boys. You get to know Aerith. We'll meet you at lunch" Hermione smiled.

"We're going to the entrance hall, watch who puts their name in" Ron smiled cheerily.

Hermione looked to Lavender who rolled her eyes and nodded. Hermione was already regretting her decision.

—~—

Hermione and Lavender sat on the raised seats of the entrance Hall, both reading a book. Harry and Ron were happily gossiping. Cedric had placed his name in, Bea had smiled and hugged both girls as they left. Angelina Johnson, Harry and Y/N's teammate had placed hers as well.

The Beauxbatons had came, most of the elder girls entering, including Fleur. A number had looked at Hermione with difficult to read expressions, Hermione had glared back at them.

Finally the twins entered with Lee Jordan.

"We've done it!" They cheered.

"An ageing potion. Cooked it up this morning".

"It's not going to work" Hermione chuckled in a sing song voice.

"Oh and why's that Granger?" Fred asked, slinging an arm round her.

"The age line" Hermione pointed to the magical ring that surrounded the goblet.

"If Dumbledore himself drew it there is no way it will be tricked by something as pathetically dim witted as an ageing potion"

"Well that's why it's so brilliant" Fred said.

"Because it's so pathetically dim witted" George added.

Maisy stood in the corner rubbing her eyes in exasperation.

The three chugged and cheered, jumped over the age line and dropped their names in. Moments later they were fired back, landing hard on the floor and now sporting long grey beards.

"I did try to tell you" Albus chuckled from where he stood at the doorway.

"I suggest the three of you go to the hospital wing, if you wouldn't mind accompanying them Ms Parkinson. Miss Fawcett of Ravenclaw and Mr Summers of Hufflepuff have already tried and are being seen by Madam Pomfrey, although I must say neither of their beards are as magnificent as your three".

The three headed off to the infirmary, accompanied by Maisy who had a tight grip on George's ear as Dumbledore smiled and nodded to Hermione.

It was quiet for a few minutes before the Durmstrang students entered. A number of older ones entering their name before Ron squealed.

"It's him. It's Krum"

Victor walked in quietly, dropped him name in the Goblet and turned. His eyes passing over Hermione quickly to Lavender.

He smiled.

Lavender smiled back, and blushed, as the Durmstrangs left the hall, Ron waving awkwardly to Krum as he walked passed.

Hermione had been reading her book the whole time, ignoring the spectacle. She didn't see Lavender's face light up in joy, nor realise how Lav's breath hitched in her throat.

—~—

Y/N and Aerith had spent the last couple of hours walking, talking, getting to know each other. Their conversation had been pleasant, but not a lot of important information was discussed.

As they sat on a bench in a deserted courtyard Aerith smiled and inhaled the fresh air.

"Hogwarts is beautiful isn't it".

"It is" Y/N smiled distantly. His mind was preoccupied. He had doubts. He had concerns. Was Aerith genuine? Was this a trick? Was this a Knight ploy?

He was brought back to the present by Aerith's hand waving in front of his face.

"Ahh he is awake" she giggled as Y/N smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, Aerith, it's just. I have...."

He threw up a silencing charm.

"There's things I'm involved in. Dangerous things"

Aerith looked at her younger brother concerned.

"Oh I'm sure you are. So?"

"So it's not safe to be near me. I... I need to know I can trust you"

"Oh. Well what can I do to help you with that?"

Y/N thought.

"Are you a legilimens Aerith?"

"No... but I'm guessing you are?"

Y/N looked at her slightly puzzled and she giggled.

"Mum told me Dad was. That all the men in his family... our family... inherited the gift. But I only inherited my mum's Cetra magic".

Y/N nodded.

"Would you like to use it on me? Would that help?" Aerith smiled.

Y/N looked conflicted but nodded.

"I don't usually like to use it on people but... yeah. I'll try not to see anything too personal"

Aerith smiled and sat still looking at her brother. Y/N entered her mind.

He saw her as a young child, her mother crying after receiving an owl.

He saw her crying at her mothers funeral, the giantess headmistress placing a hand lovingly on her shoulder.

He saw her school years fly passed. She always felt different, isolated, no matter how many friends she had. Alone

He saw her role at the school, teaching about Magical Creatures. He saw she was a natural.

He gasped as the connection broke, suddenly wrapping Aerith in a tight hug. She giggled as she hugged back.

"So I passed the audition?"

Y/N chuckled and let go.

"I'm sorry Aerith. I saw a lot, I felt a lot, how you felt alone, how you missed your mum. I promise you sister, you will never be alone again. You have family now".

Aerith smiled sweetly and held her brother's hands.

"So what did you want to tell me?"

They spent the next hour discussing Y/N's past. His present. His destiny. He told her about the Phoenix Bearers, the Knights, the Prophecy, the seals. It was a difficult conversation, Aerith took it all in, believed it all but felt heartbroken for her little brother. He had suffered so much. Lost so much. Hurt so much.

"So I think that's everything. You're in the circle of trust Aerith. It's a small circle, there's not many people in there, but you're one of them. I don't think I have to tell you not to repeat anything of what I just said or-"

He was cut off by Aerith barreling into him.

"I won't Y/N. Thank you for trusting me. I'm so sorry you've experienced so much pain".

"I'm sorry you have too sis" Y/N smiled into the hug. "But maybe we can support each other from now on".

They separated and Aerith smiled as Y/N lowered the silencing charm. Before she could answer a deep voice was heard entering the courtyard.

"Aerith are you here?"

Y/N turned and his face lit up in joy at who had just walked into the courtyard.

The Magical Creature, no breed Y/N had ever seen before, walked over and stood in front of the pair. He resembled a lion, but had markings and scars reminiscent of battle.

The tip of his tail appeared to be perennially on fire. He looked at the pair and they looked at him.

"Well look at you. Aren't you magnificent" Y/N said, standing with his hand out for the creature to sniff.

"Y/N wait-" Aerith tried to warn him, but she was too late.

The creatures tail had flicked up and slapped Y/N's hand.

"Ahh shit what the hell?" Y/N said as he grabbed his stinging hand.

"Nanaki! That wasn't nice. This is my brother Y/N" Aerith said, as close to angry as Y/N had heard. She sounded more adorable than intimidating though.

Y/N looked stunned at Aerith and then at the lab rat-dog thing.

"Wait he's yours Aerith? Who spoke then and what is he?"

"A fascinating question" The creature now known as Nanaki said, looking at Y/N. It was the same deep voice he had previously heard.

Y/N's eyes widened.

"You can talk?"

"I can. You asked what he, or rather I, am. I am that which you see before you. Nothing more, nothing less".

Y/N stood completely confused.

"Y/N this is my guardian, Nanaki. His race has always protected my people, the Cetra. As it happens that I'm the last of my kind, he is also the last of his. Nanaki as I said, this is my younger brother Y/N. His father was my father".

Y/N forgot his previously singed hand as he smiled at Nanaki. A previously unknown type of Magical Creature. Sentient, able to fluently speak. He was in his glory.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Y/N. I apologise. I don't like being invited to sniff people".

Y/N sat next to his sister again awestruck.

"Sorry... it's a pleasure to meet you Nanaki. I apologise. I'm a beast whisperer, so I wasn't sure if I heard you whisper, or I heard a voice or-"

"You're a whisperer? I'd read about the gift but I never... Is Dean as well? Are you good with Creatures? I love Magical Creatures and-"

"If you will permit me Aerith before you get carried away in conversation, Madam Maxine asked me to fetch you. It's time for lunch" Nanaki replied in his deep calm tone.

Aerith nodded and smiled, thanking Nanaki who nodded at Y/N and turned, walking out the courtyard.

"So to try and answer... all your questions" Y/N chuckled as they started to walk to the Great Hall. "No Dean isn't. I am, I inherited the gift from the McNairs, who were among our ancestors. I can whisper with any Magical Creature, but my powers have matured to the point where they can understand me if I speak to them in English. I feel a deep love with all Magical Creatures. Like a parent. I've adopted many, saved many in our Creature Reserve, oh I'll have to take you there after lunch. You'll love it, I'll take you round and introduce you. We have so many amazing creatures in so many biomes, it's enchanted so they live in harmony and-"

The two chatted happily as they walked, about their shared love of Creatures, Y/N's babies, the Ghoul Studies project he was undertaking and more before they arrived at the Great Hall.

The decorations had changed over the course of the morning, as it was Halloween a cloud of live bats was glittering around the enchanted ceiling while hundreds of carved pumpkins leered from every corner.

They reached Y/N's four friends and hugged goodbye as Madam Maxine waved Aerith over, the pair agreeing to meet up after lunch and go the Reserve.

Y/N sat and kissed Hermione, a big smile on his face.

"You look happy" she giggled. "Did it go well?"

"It was incredible sweetheart. We've got a lot in common, we shared a lot, we... it was really amazing" Y/N gushed, smiling widely in a look that was returned by his three friends and girlfriend.

"If you don't mind we are going down to the Reserve after lunch, Aerith teaches Magical Creatures at Beauxbatons so I thought..."

"That sounds incredible sweetheart, I'm so happy. We're going to go see Hagrid after lunch so you go and enjoy getting to know your sister" Hermione smiled.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Y/N asked, feeling guilty for being away from Hermione so much.

"Of course I don't. We'll meet up later ok"

Y/N nodded and thanked Hermione, kissing her cheek as they started to enjoy their lunch.

—~—

The group sat as Ron discussed the morning in detail, who had entered, the twins, before he got to the subject of Krum.

"And then Krum looked at Lav and smiled at her and-"

"What?" Y/N snapped, looking furious.

Lavender blushed at the mention before she spoke.

"It was just a smile Y/N. Calm down"

Y/N looked at Krum and caught his eye. Krum looked back at Y/N and smirked before Y/N spoke to him instantly:

I know who you are Victor. I know what you are. You go near any of my people and I'll make sure you know the chewy taste of your own intestines before you die.

Krum chuckled and looked down at his plate, returning to his food.

"You ok love?" Hermione asked, noticing the look on his face.

"Fine love. Sorry. Lav you need to keep away from him. He's a piece of shit".

Lavender didn't answer she just grunted and continued to eat her lunch.

—~—

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lavender walked with Y/N and Aerith until they arrived at Hagrid's. The four of them went inside as Y/N and Aerith headed down to the Creature Reserve.

They spent hours there, Y/N taking Aerith to every enclosure but the Dark Hominids, introducing her to all the creatures. She was a natural and many responded positively to her. Some like the Manticore and the Ukrainian Ironbelly, kept a cool distance but kept calm out of respect for Y/N. He introduced her to Barnaby and Liz, Liz and Aerith happily chatting before Barnaby pulled Y/N aside.

Once they were out of earshot Barnaby grew excited as he pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it. Y/N's face lit up in joy.

"B that's awesome mate. Let me know as soon as you can when you've popped the question!"

Barnaby smiled happily before speaking.

"There was something else Y/N. I was wondering if you would be happy to be my best man?"

Y/N smiled and hugged Barnaby tight.

"It would be an honour B. Nothing would make me prouder".

—~—

It was getting dark by the time Y/N and Aerith exited the Creature Reserve with Barnaby and Liz, Y/N checked his watch.

"Five to five, feast starts in a minute".

He turned to the others and smirked.

"Want to take a shortcut?"

Barnaby, knowing what he meant nodded as Aerith smiled, her face then dropping to one of shock as a portal opening up to the corridor in front of the Great Hall right in front of her.

"Thanks Y/N" Barnaby smiled as he and Liz walked through.

"Go on sis" Y/N smiled "I'll meet you there"

Aerith smiled and nodded, walking through before turning as the portal had closed and Y/N appeared next to her. She hugged him tight.

"How?"

"Portal spell I created last year. Works like apparition- if I can see it in my mind, I can open a portal there".

Aerith smiled in shock and just whispered 'wow' before hugging him again as they entered the crowded hall.

They walked in and separated, Aerith being stopped by a couple of Beauxbatons for a chat as Y/N walked over to his usual spot, only hearing:

"'E's your brother?" As he walked.

He sat next to Hermione and kissed her lovingly as she smiled at him.

"Good afternoon baby?" She asked lovingly, cuddling into him.

"Fantastic baby. Fantastic. All the creatures loved her, though quite a few were upset you weren't there. We have to make a trip in the next few days".

Hermione smiled and giggled as the feast began, tucking in.

Hermione was much calmer following their chats of the previous evening. She was still nervous, but no longer fearful, the excitement of their new room now building. Dinner seemed to drag as the anticipation of the whole hall built, waiting for the announcement of the champions.

At long last, the golden plates returned to their original location, and there was a sharp upturn in the amount of noise in the hall.

Hermione sat with her hand on Y/N's upper thigh as she spoke with Lavender, smiling as Y/N teased her, shifting "accidentally" and popping into her mind with a quick:

Babe I'm going to be walking up there pitching a tent.

Hermione tried her best to remain focused on the conversation she was having, giving a gentle, loving, teasing squeeze and giggling as Y/N tried to stifle a moan.

Finally Albus got to his feet as the hall fell silent.

"Well the Goblet is almost ready to make its decision. I would ask our champions to come to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table and go through to the next chamber"

He motioned to the door behind him.

"Where they will be given their first instructions. I leave you with two final words to consider.... ETERNAL GLORY!"

He pulled his wand and gave it a sweep, the candles in the hall lowering their light and adding to the atmosphere.

The Goblet of Fire suddenly sparked up in red flames, a piece of parchment shooting into Albus's hand.

"The Durmstrang Champion is... Victor Krum!"

There was applause, mostly from the Durmstrang and Slytherin table as Karkaroff yelled out "Bravo Victor".

Hermione noticed the look Y/N gave him as he skulked off towards the chamber, a look she had seen before. She knew her boyfriend wanted to murder Victor Krum. She squeezed his thigh in an effort to calm him.

Red flames ripped up again as another piece of parchment shot out.

"The Beauxbatons Champion is... Fleur Delacour"

The hall applauded much louder this time as Hermione grew an expression similar to Y/N's as Fleur glanced in their direction and smiled seductively at Y/N before going up and shaking Albus's hand.

"Tart" Hermione scowled as Y/N wrapped an arm round her waist and kissed her.

"Not, never, no way, no how baby"

Hermione smiled and kissed her lover back before red flames shot up again.

Here we go

Hermione heard and gripped Y/N's thigh tight as a huge smile broke out on Dumbledore's face.

"And the Hogwarts Champion is.... Y/N L/N"

The hall was deafening in applause as a smirk broke out across Y/N's face. The Gryffindors cheered loudest, proud of their housemate.
Y/N turned and kissed Hermione lovingly before whispering in her ear:

"Thank you love. Can't wait to see our room"

Hermione smiled and kissed him back as he stood, handshakes coming at him left and right.

He walked up to the Headmaster tall, strong, proud, looking every bit the champion as they shook hands.

He turned to Penny and then Aerith, giving them both a wink as Penny seemed to be holding her emotions in check, barely.

Severus stood and the two embraced in a quick hug, Minerva rubbing on Y/N's arm proudly as he bowed to his head of House, disappearing down the corridor behind the staff table.

Hermione watched him disappear and exhaled as Lavender squeezed her tightly from the side.

"Excellent. We have our three champions. I am sure I can count on you all, including the remaining Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students, to give your champions every ounce of support you can. You will contribute to a very real-"

Dumbledore stopped speaking as he looked over to the Goblet of Fire, it's flames turning red again before another slip of parchment shot out and into his hand.

He stared down at it for what seemed like an eternity before clearing his throat and calling out two words.

"Harry Potter"